I recently wrote something that addressed this same issue in my blog. I basically agreed that you should plan for activities for your downtown, during your busy times. Usually thats when you can identify processes that would help you work more efficiently.

Here’s what i would add.
start planning your downtime in advance- while you’re working if you come up with an idea put it on your “someday/maybe” list. (This is “getting things done”(GTD) language for a list of things you may get to in the future). during downtime review this.

documentation and clean up- document your previous project. write down the steps you took to complete it (if they’re complex) in case you need to redo it. Get rid of old versions of documentation and coding.

review your previous project- see what went right and wrong. learn from it. improve your process or knowledge.

follow up- check in on your previous completed projects. make sure that it’s being used correctly. There may be opportunities for improvement. Your “customer” will be impressed by your dedication quality.

start building a machine- this takes templating to a new level. This creates a system. For example if you are a web designer and bid for projects. templating will improve your introductory letter. Building a machine will get you more jobs with less effort. Your machine could include an introductory letter, sample work by category, a list of testimonials, an up to date web site, follow up letters, sample proposals by target market. You get the idea- everything you need to bid on a project but that takes you no time to bid.

With all the above suggestions you see why i haven’t had any downtime in years.

And enjoy my family. Downtime is just that for me…down time! I do my studying/catch up during me uptime. Come to think of it, ‘downtime’ is generally uptime as well…. :)

Data points, Barbara